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***Official 2014 World Cup Thread*** (4 Viewers)

Just looking at the brackets - the top half (Brazil/Colombia/France/Germany) is stacked.

Bottom half (Holland/Costa Rica/Argentina/Belgium) - not so much.

Brazil-Colombia and Germany-France could be epic - then the semifinals for the survivors should be a great match-up.

The bottom half, really only has two match-ups I'd like to see: Argentina v. USA in the quarters, then Argentina v. Holland in the semis.

 
Yesterday we were talking about the few stars who did not show up.

I think I would add Moutinho to that list. He was quite average for Portugal imo

 
This thread moves so fast during the matches that I can't keep up when I come back to the thread later in the day, so take my points like a Hipple post.

I'm happy that Algeria made it through. They deserved it and look better overall than Russia. South Korea really disappointed this WC. Honestly, I'm not sure which team I'd rather play, Belgium or Algeria. Yes, this was Belgium's 1.5 team, as they rested players, but they don't look like a team that can win a world cup (whereas Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and maybe France do). So facing Belgium isn't the end of the world IMO.

I'm proud of the US. They performed better than I expected, and Jurgen made some tough calls to get here, but in the end the strategy and tactics validated his choices.

So for players this round, Jones has been our best player with Dempsey and Howard close behind. He's played with a chip on his shoulder without letting his fire burn him up and make stupid tackles. This is the Jones that could have put the hurt on Ghana in WC2010, and we all saw that potential when he was brought in. He's got a real nose for competition and seems to come up big when it counts. Shockingly (to me) Beckerman has done well, as the tactics have hidden his flaws and brought out his smarts (I think he's the smartest player on the pitch, and only Bradley comes close to him). ####, even Beasley hasn't been the liability I thought he'd be, and Bedoya has shown he's a solid midfield player (much better than Davis). Bradley has disappointed by a lot this WC. I thought he'd be able to boss the midfield and be dynamic. That hasn't happened at all, and in fact his touch is totally off. Perhaps playing on turf in the frozen tundra of Canada has sapped his touch playing on grass in a jungle... Besler has played well absent a stupid error, and Cam has been mostly solid. Zusi has played well, although I wish his corners were a little more dangerous and precise. Yes, he hit Brooks for the game winner, but other than that they haven't been as deadly as I'd like.

 
Unreal. How can this constantly happen?

==========

http://www.kickoffnigeria.com/news/46082/nigeria-skip-training-over-appearance-fee

Nigeria skip training over appearance fee

Posted: 27 June 2014 Time: 01:54 am

Nigeria canceled a scheduled training session on Thursday after a meeting to demand World Cup appearance bonuses dragged on till late.

The Super Eagles were due to train in Campinas at 6pm on Thursday, but with their bus ready to leave, the squad failed to turn up.

Media Officer Ben Alaiya explained that the players were 'in a meeting' and would come out for training after.

An hour later, the bus was re-parked with officials saying training had been cancelled.

KickOffNigeria.com understands that the players wanted to be paid the appearance fee agreed with the federation for making it past the World Cup group stages.

Prior to the meeting however, the NFF Geneural Secretary Musa Amadu, had left São Paulo for Nigeria.

A federation official told KickOffNigeria.com that he had left to get more money to prosecute the not round.

"Funds were only released for the group stages, so he has gone to get more for the second round," the official said.

However, Amadu is not expected to return before the round of 16 fixture against France.

 
I've watched Belgium, but feel like they slept walked. Looked at the game odds and US are about 3.5:1, so its not really a longshot.

Noticed Netherlands 8:1 to win it all, very tempting.

 
Here are each team's odds of advancing per 538's model:

Brazil: 78%

Chile: 22%

Colombia: 63%

Uruguay: 37%

France: 72%

Nigeria: 28%

Germany: 80%

Algeria: 20%

==============

Netherlands: 69%

Mexico: 31%

Costa Rica: 56%

Greece: 44%

Argentina: 75%

Switzerland: 25%

Belgium: 57%

USA: 43%

ETA: US wins the tournament from here about one in 65 times and makes the final about one in 19 times.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
How brutal is Brazil's side of the bracket?

538 had their odds of winning at 45% before the tournament started. After getting out of the group stage the odds have fallen to 36%.

And the best you could get Brazil pre-tournament was 3/1. After advancing out of the group 3/1 are still the most common odds on offer, but you actually get Brazil at 7/2 in a few places now.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
wdcrob said:
How brutal is Brazil's side of the bracket?

538 had their odds of winning at 45% before the tournament started. After getting out of the group stage the odds have fallen to 36%.

And the best you could get Brazil pre-tournament was 3/1. After advancing out of the group 3/1 are still the most common odds on offer, but you actually get Brazil at 7/2 in a few places now.
Click to expand...
I think it´s coupled with Brazil not lighting anyone on fire yet. They've shown flashes, but do not look like a team that is hands down the best on the world.

I still think they´ll win it, simply due to home field advantage.

 
Odds on my site:

Jun 28 - 12:00 PM74001FIFA WORLD CUP - WINNERALGERIA+20000
Jun 28 - 12:00 PM74002FIFA WORLD CUP - WINNERARGENTINA+350
Jun 28 - 12:00 PM74004FIFA WORLD CUP - WINNERBELGIUM+1500
Jun 28 - 12:00 PM74006FIFA WORLD CUP - WINNERBRAZIL+250
Jun 28 - 12:00 PM74008FIFA WORLD CUP - WINNERCHILE+2500
Jun 28 - 12:00 PM74009FIFA WORLD CUP - WINNERCOLOMBIA+1500
Jun 28 - 12:00 PM74010FIFA WORLD CUP - WINNERCOSTA RICA+4000
Jun 28 - 12:00 PM74014FIFA WORLD CUP - WINNERFRANCE+650
Jun 28 - 12:00 PM74015FIFA WORLD CUP - WINNERGERMANY+375
Jun 28 - 12:00 PM74017FIFA WORLD CUP - WINNERGREECE+6500
Jun 28 - 12:00 PM74024FIFA WORLD CUP - WINNERMEXICO+2500
Jun 28 - 12:00 PM74025FIFA WORLD CUP - WINNERNETHERLANDS+700
Jun 28 - 12:00 PM74026FIFA WORLD CUP - WINNERNIGERIA+17500
Jun 28 - 12:00 PM74030FIFA WORLD CUP - WINNERSWITZERLAND+6500
Jun 28 - 12:00 PM74031FIFA WORLD CUP - WINNERUSA+6750
Jun 28 - 12:00 PM74032FIFA WORLD CUP - WINNERURUGUAY+2750
 
Netherlands +700 looks like good value - Argentina is really only other contender on their side of the draw.

Maybe France at +650 - but they likely have to beat Germany and Brazil back-to-back. Like how they are playing though.

Brazil is still the favorite, but at +250, there are a lot of roadblocks in the way in a single-elimination tournament. On the plus side, I am sure they still have FIFA working for them...

 
Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll said:
Jesus was today boring. Sorry but damn. Landon showing his guns off in the interview was more entertaining.
Click to expand...
Boring but effective in securing the passage to the round of 16. Sure it took a goal from Ronaldo to seal it, but strategically speaking holding out for a 0-0 draw was probably the smartest thing to do here. It didn´t work in our favor, but it was still the right thing to do. Pushing for a win against Germany would only expose the US and amplify a potential goal differential problem if it were to come up.

 
Watching the coverage now.

Love that Klinsmann said "we gave them too much respect" "we going to take it to the next team".

Keller #####ing that we backed in and didn't take the spot on our own. Ballack shuts him up "imagine if you lose to Germany in the first game, get a draw vs Portugal in the second, and the, beat Ghana in the 85th minute to clinch the knockout."

Same results. Different order. We earned it no matter how it happened.

 
The Zlatan said:
This thread moves so fast during the matches that I can't keep up when I come back to the thread later in the day, so take my points like a Hipple post.

I'm happy that Algeria made it through. They deserved it and look better overall than Russia. South Korea really disappointed this WC. Honestly, I'm not sure which team I'd rather play, Belgium or Algeria. Yes, this was Belgium's 1.5 team, as they rested players, but they don't look like a team that can win a world cup (whereas Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and maybe France do). So facing Belgium isn't the end of the world IMO.

I'm proud of the US. They performed better than I expected, and Jurgen made some tough calls to get here, but in the end the strategy and tactics validated his choices.

So for players this round, Jones has been our best player with Dempsey and Howard close behind. He's played with a chip on his shoulder without letting his fire burn him up and make stupid tackles. This is the Jones that could have put the hurt on Ghana in WC2010, and we all saw that potential when he was brought in. He's got a real nose for competition and seems to come up big when it counts. Shockingly (to me) Beckerman has done well, as the tactics have hidden his flaws and brought out his smarts (I think he's the smartest player on the pitch, and only Bradley comes close to him). ####, even Beasley hasn't been the liability I thought he'd be, and Bedoya has shown he's a solid midfield player (much better than Davis). Bradley has disappointed by a lot this WC. I thought he'd be able to boss the midfield and be dynamic. That hasn't happened at all, and in fact his touch is totally off. Perhaps playing on turf in the frozen tundra of Canada has sapped his touch playing on grass in a jungle... Besler has played well absent a stupid error, and Cam has been mostly solid. Zusi has played well, although I wish his corners were a little more dangerous and precise. Yes, he hit Brooks for the game winner, but other than that they haven't been as deadly as I'd like.
Click to expand...
:goodposting:

 
Last edited by a moderator:
NewlyRetired said:
Ok, best young, relatively unknown players from the first round?

For me it was three players who stuck out, Campbell from CR, James from Colombia and Atsu from Ghana.
Click to expand...
I think every FM/Fifa manager knew James pretty well.

Cuadrado really stuck out for me. He has been a force for Colombia.

And we all "know" Ochoa, but I can't believe anyone saw this performance ahead of time. Guy doesn't even have a club team. Some people even had Corona starting ahead of him.

 
NewlyRetired said:
17seconds said:
QuizGuy66 said:
Let's do this fun chart - latest FIFA rankings with whether or not they progressed :)

1) Spain - OUT

2) Germany - Won Group G

3) Brazil - Won Group A

4) Portugal - OUT

5) Argentina - Won Group F

6) Switzerland - Runner-Up Group E

7) Uruguay - Runner-Up Group D

8) Colombia - Won Group C

9) Italy - OUT

10) England - OUT

11) Belgium - Won Group H

12) Greece - Runner-up Group C

13) USA - Runner-up Group G

14) Chile - Runner-Up Group B

15) Netherlands - Won Group B

17) France - Won Group E

18) Croatia - OUT

19) Russia - OUT

20) Mexico - Runner-Up Group A

21) Bosnia-Herzegovina - OUT

22) Algeria - Runner-up Group H

23t) Cote D'Ivoire - OUT

26) Ecuador - OUT

28) Rich Coast - Won Group D

33) Honduras - OUT

37) Ghana - OUT

43) Iran - OUT

44) Nigeria - Runner-up Group F

46) Japan - OUT

56) Cameroon - OUT

57t) South Korea - OUT

62) Australia - OUT

-QG
Click to expand...
Some Euro bias in the FIFA rankings maybe?
Click to expand...
It is formula based. It takes into account opponent strength, type of game (friendly, qualifiers, regional championships, WC finals etc) and regional strength. You can read more detail here.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_World_Rankings#Current_calculation_method
Click to expand...
Ah so I noticed in the fine print where the screw job comes in (or at least some UEFA and CONMEBOL bias). Part of the formula for points is that a result is multiplied by the average strength of BOTH team's confederations. So Portugal gets more credit for beating Ghana than we do because they get the average of 1 and Africa's coefficient applied to the game while we get .88 :bs:

-QG

 
It's more than just the federation coefficients - there is a weighting for strength of opponent, so it becomes a self-feeding monster.

Another factor that helps the good euro teams is weighting and seriousness of European Championship - unlike the gold cup, those teams take it seriously, and it falls in between WCs so it helps to boost the strong teams, who are playing at full strength against other strong teams.

 
bagger said:
What's the story with Belgium. Don't really know anything about that team.
Click to expand...
They're the official pick of soccer hipsters. Small country with no real great history of success, so casual fans probably weren't expecting anything from them. But the guys who watch the EPL every Saturday morning recognize almost their whole starting lineup and know it's pretty loaded. They have tough, experienced defenders and really good young attacking players.

They're better than us on paper, but I don't think they've looked much better than us on the field so far. Even though they won all their games, they had a really easy group and we had the group of death.

 
Also, just for ####s, I just went through the entire Algeria roster. 17 out of the 23 players were born in France. And Taylor Twellman has the nerve to bag on the Americans for having like 5/6 players born outside the US.

 
Celph Titled said:
Steve Tasker said:
Celph Titled said:
bagger said:
What's the story with Belgium. Don't really know anything about that team.
Click to expand...
They have a guy with an afro. Their goaltender is unbelievably good. They play four center-backs. Chocolates.
Click to expand...
They have 2 guys with afros (Witsel and Fellaini). That's how you know they mean business.
Click to expand...
Axel Witsel and Axl Rose are distant cousins. (Actually true)
Click to expand...
I heard Axl Rose is actually Kevin de Bruyne's father, and that "Sweet Child of Mine" is actually about him. (unconfirmed)

 
17seconds said:
QuizGuy66 said:
Let's do this fun chart - latest FIFA rankings with whether or not they progressed :)

1) Spain - OUT

2) Germany - Won Group G

3) Brazil - Won Group A

4) Portugal - OUT

5) Argentina - Won Group F

6) Switzerland - Runner-Up Group E

7) Uruguay - Runner-Up Group D

8) Colombia - Won Group C

9) Italy - OUT

10) England - OUT

11) Belgium - Won Group H

12) Greece - Runner-up Group C

13) USA - Runner-up Group G

14) Chile - Runner-Up Group B

15) Netherlands - Won Group B

17) France - Won Group E

18) Croatia - OUT

19) Russia - OUT

20) Mexico - Runner-Up Group A

21) Bosnia-Herzegovina - OUT

22) Algeria - Runner-up Group H

23t) Cote D'Ivoire - OUT

26) Ecuador - OUT

28) Rich Coast - Won Group D

33) Honduras - OUT

37) Ghana - OUT

43) Iran - OUT

44) Nigeria - Runner-up Group F

46) Japan - OUT

56) Cameroon - OUT

57t) South Korea - OUT

62) Australia - OUT

-QG
Click to expand...
Some Euro bias in the FIFA rankings maybe?
Click to expand...
Many of the European teams lived up to expectations. I think the bias seemed more concentrated on 18th century empires. :shrug:

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Jon, many people predicted that this was the end for Spain. Many predicted that England was again overrated and full of mediocre talent. Everyone knew that Portugal was ranked far too high, and the Dutch far to low.

Really, this cup has been dominated by teams from the New world. Only Ecuador and Honduras failed to progress out of the 10 teams from the Americas.

 
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